The Bastian Center at STLCC-Forest Park Stages a Comeback
April 08, 2026
Posted by School of Communication, Design and Creative Arts in News Resources
After a three-year hiatus, the Mildred E. Bastian Center for the Performing Arts on St. Louis Community College’s Forest Park campus stages a comeback this spring with performances of a beloved Shakespeare spoof in April and a rousing jazz band concert in May.
“We're delighted to reopen the doors of the Mildred E. Bastian Center and welcome the community back,” says Julie Fickas, EdD, Forest Park campus president. “This beautiful theatre is receiving some of the tender loving care it deserves and continues to be a focal point of our campus—one we’re proud to share. We're excited to invite students, employees and the community at large to enjoy these free, public events.”
Shakespeare in the Spotlight
Live theatre returns to the Bastian Center April 9-12 with “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] {again}.” The fast-paced comedy condenses the Bard’s 37 plays into 97 mirthful minutes.
Director Jeff David, hired last August to manage the theatre, says he chose the high-energy production specifically for the venue. “As soon as I walked in and saw the [thrust] stage, I knew it was perfect for this show. It’s right there in the audience’s face,” says David, who has worked with this production multiple times over his 20-year career.
The three-person cast — students Calvin Gilbert and William Schulte, and history professor Jason Martin — tackles everything from “Hamlet” to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” with rapid-fire costume changes, audience interaction and irreverent humor.
David sees the show as a promising new beginning. “My goal is that next year we’ll put on three shows, three different productions, and we'll just keep building student and community involvement,” he says.
The Bastian Center’s House Band
Having waited a beat since their debut last December, the Forest Park Jazz Band returns to the stage on May 1 with songs by Count Basie, Bob Mintzer and The Beatles.
When the ensemble formed last fall, auditions drew more than 75 musicians hoping for a seat. "We’ve been surprised by the student interest in the jazz band,” says Forest Park music professor Thomas Zirkle, who co-leads the group with Meramec music professor Grant Unnerstall. “We had all the instruments we needed in our first semester, and then this semester the enrollment almost doubled! It's a very good problem to have.”
Joining STLCC students and staff in the band are community members ranging from professional musicians to high school students to retirees. “The culture in this band is excellent,” Zirkle says. “The band is full of people eager to learn and to work together. Our rehearsals are joyful and full of good-natured laughter!’
Performances:
The Mildred E. Bastian Center for the Performing Arts offers free, general admission seating for approximately 450 audience members. Early arrival is recommended.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] {again}
Thursday, April 9 – 11:15 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, April 10-11 – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 12 – 2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Forest Park Jazz Band Spring Concert
Friday, May 1 – 7 p.m.
Admission: Free, seating is first-come, first-served.
View more music and theatre performances happening across STLCC on our events calendar.
